Societies and their buildings also form a large part of the heritage and cultural legacy of Chinatown. For many people, these buildings, and the unique streetscape they form, have come to define the image and character of Chinatown. Many of these buildings are aging rapidly and if no actions are taken, they could be lost forever. The need to protect this irreplaceable part of Chinatown's cultural legacy is greater than ever as development pressures in and around the area increase.

As Chinatown moves forward with its revitalization, it is important for the community to develop their own strategy for protecting Chinatown's heritage identity while allowing growth and new development to occur. An understanding of the associations and societies significance is therefore essential in Chinatown's revitalization.

Society Buildings Virtural Tour

Chinatown Society Buildings Rehabilitation Strategy

On May 21, 2009 City Council approved Phase 2 of the Chinatown Society Buildings Planning Grant Program, a key initiative for Chinatown revitalization.

Read the report

Chinatown Society Buildings Planning Grant Program: Phase 2

This program provides grants to Chinatown Societies for the preparation of Rehabilitation Plans for their heritage buildings. Five grants of $100,000 each were available for 2009 (Phase 2), and each Society receiving a grant must contribute $20,000 to the planning work.

Full program details, eligibility criteria, and application procedures are described in the Society Building Planning Grant Program Policies and Procedures. Deadline for Grant application has passed. No additional grant applications will be accepted.

Policies and Procedures - English
Policies and Procedures - Chinese
Application Form - English

The Society Buildings Study
In 2005, the City and the Chinese Canadian Historic Society (CCHS) released the Society Buildings Study, which tells the fascinating stories behind Chinatown's heritage buildings that are owned by benevolent societies and family/clan associations. The study is part of the City's continuous effort to better understand and protect Chinatown's cultural legacy and identity.

Society Buildings Study Pamphlet - English (PDF)
Society Buildings Study Pamphlet - Chinese (PDF)
Society Buildings Study - English (PDF)
Society Buildings Study Appendix - English (PDF)

The study looks at the buildings' historical, social and architectural significance. The goal of the study is to help stimulate interest in restoring or upgrading these important buildings from their current condition. Five societies participated in this study: the Chinese Benevolent Association of Vancouver, the Lim Sai Hor Association, Mah Society of Canada, Shon Yee Benevolent Association and Yue Shan Society.

As part of the effort to protect Chinatown's heritage asset, the City has introduced the Heritage Incentive Program in 2003 to encourage the conservation and rehabilitation of heritage buildings in Chinatown, Gastown, the Hastings Corridor, and Victory Square.

To learn more about the Heritage Façade Rehabilitation Program and how to apply, please refer to the brochure:  

Heritage Façade Rehabilitation Program Pamphlet - English (PDF)